Differences between residential and Commercial Contractors
People often get confused between contractors that work in residential environments and contractors that work in commercial settings. The final product of commercial and residential jobs will depend on the contractor’s expertise.
Some of the general contractors who work majorly in housing projects do not know the difference between commercial and residential structure. This may create a nightmare for the client that hires such contractor. While many contractors want to pursue in working in a commercial environment when they are used to working in residential environments, they don’t realise that commercial construction work has different procedures and methods than residential.
Residential contractors mainly work on renovations in houses including finishing basements, replacing floors and renovating washrooms and kitchens. Commercial contractors mainly work on constructing and doing interior alterations inside restaurants, offices, malls, commercial buildings and schools.
There are some key differences between commercial and residential constructions such as budgeting, schedules, warranties and materials.
Construction Material, Equipment and Building Codes
The residential contractors also fulfil codes & permit requirements for housing projects but commercial buildings are more composed and complex than residential projects. The contractors who construct commercial units are required to use specific materials as outlined by the building codes such as steel frames, high volt electrical supply, sprinklers and intense fire suppression. There are some commercial units that may use lumber frames but there are specific fire suppression codes that apply in this type of structure that may lead to an increase in cost.
The HVAC systems in residential projects are entirely different than the systems in commercial projects. For instance, the recommended heating and cooling equipment in residential places are a furnace and a separate AC unit. However, commercial projects require a high BTU rooftop unit to facilitate the buildings. In terms of the building and plumbing fixtures, the Ontario Building Code requires a universal washroom. As a result, commercial contractors must use handicap toilet seats and sinks; grab bars, panic alarm and HC door operator.
Work Pace & Service Prospects
Commercial construction proceeds at an extensive pace compared to general residential projects. The trades require a big and skilful team in order to complete the work in a given time frame. Experts in this field follow a schedule and mark deadlines without trying to cut corners. The construction costs in commercial projects are higher than residential due to the material costs and contractor wages.
Commercial contractors, engineers, architects and interior designers are expected to work as a team to make sure that everything is completed in a timely manor without any flaws; and successfully pass all inspections and finish the project according to the customers full satisfaction.
If you are looking for a general commercial contractor, feel free to contact City Contractors through email at info@citycontractors.ca or call us at (647) 671-1733.
